Scroll wheel assembly for scrolling an image in multiple directions

ABSTRACT

A scroll wheel assembly for computer input device having a housing. The scroll wheel assembly includes a housing and an engagable scroll wheel. The scroll wheel is rotatable with a shaft to preferably cause vertical scrolling of an image on a display. The scroll wheel is laterally tiltable relative to the housing and the shaft. A sensor is preferably positioned within the housing for sensing tilting of the rotatable member. In response to sensed tilting movement of the rotatable member, the image is horizontally scrolled, preferably in the direction of the lateral movement. The computer input device having the rotatable member may take the form of a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball device, or another type of computer input device.

This application is a Continuation application and claims priority toU.S. Ser. No. 11/094,259, filed Mar. 31, 2005 which is a Continuationapplication and claims priority to U.S. Ser. No. 10/382,652, filed Mar.7, 2003, all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an input device including an assemblyfor scrolling an image in multiple directions relative to a displayscreen. More particularly, the present invention relates to a peripheralinput device, such as a mouse or a keyboard, that may be operativelyconnected to a host computer and includes a scroll wheel assembly thatcan move an image in multiple axes relative to a display screen.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Scroll wheels have been provided on computer mice and used by computeroperators to move an image relative to a display screen of a hostcomputer. A scroll wheel assembly includes a rotatable scroll wheel anda sensor that are typically included in a housing for a peripheralcomputer device such as a mouse. Typically, a portion of the scrollwheel protrudes upwardly out of an opening in its housing and is rotatedin order to vertically scroll the image along the screen. An example ofa mouse including a known scroll wheel assembly is described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,912,661, entitled “Z-ENCODER MECHANISM” which is hereby fullyincorporated by reference.

Scrolling, as used herein, describes the movement of an image relativeto a display screen in a particular direction as such term is commonlyused in the art. For example, the term “scroll down” as used hereinrelates to moving the viewable contents of a file (such as a textdocument or image) relative to display screen by an amount to produce aneffect of moving down in the document or image. Similarly, the termsscroll up, scroll left and scroll right relate to moving the viewablecontents of a file relative to a screen by an amount to produce aneffect of moving in the document or image up, left, and right,respectively. The term scrolling as used herein also includes panning,which is the automatic scrolling of an image.

In operation, a conventional scroll wheel is normally rotated about afirst, transversely extending axis secured within a housing in order toscroll the image up and down (vertically) relative to the displayscreen. As the scroll wheel is rotated, an encoder senses the rotationof an encoder wheel and delivers a corresponding signal to a hostcomputer which in turn can be used to move an image as is known in theart and disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,661. This can occur without theuser moving the position of the mouse and/or the cursor. However, manytypes of documents, such as spreadsheets and graphics files, are usuallywider than the width of the display screen and the user may want toscroll horizontally across the screen to see the entire file. When theuser needs to move the image horizontally across the display screen, theuser must typically stop what he or she is doing and perform a number oftedious and potentially frustrating steps. These include locating agraphical user interface in the form of a horizontal scroll bar usuallylocated near the bottom of the display, positioning the cursor on thescroll bar, and then rotating the wheel. Locating the scroll bar can bevery difficult for people with bad eyesight, small display screensand/or poor hand-eye coordination. As a result, the user will waste timeand delay the completion of his project while fumbling to find thebottom horizontal scroll bar. These delays can cause the user greatfrustration and unnecessary stress that is magnified when he or she isoperating under a deadline. Alternative graphically assisted tools forhorizontal scrolling requiring cursor repositioning have similardrawbacks.

If the user does not accurately position the cursor over the horizontalscroll bar, the image will not scroll horizontally with respect to thedisplay screen as he or she operates the mouse cursor of the graphicalinterface or rotates the mouse wheel. Instead, when using the mousecursor on the graphical interface, nothing happens until he or she triesagain to position the mouse cursor correctly on the scroll bar's pointsof operation. Or, when using the mouse wheel, the image will movevertically relative to the display screen and erroneously change thedisplayed image. These errors will force the user to take additionalsteps to reposition the desired image on the display screen. These stepsinclude the user confirming that the cursor is not positioned on thehorizontal scroll bar and rotating the scroll wheel in the oppositedirection to return the image to its previous position. Unfortunately,repositioning an image can lead to errors if the image is being amended.For example, the user may not return the image to its previous position.As a result, he may amend the wrong section of the image. Even if theproper image or portion of an image is returned to the display screen,the user must still attempt to locate the bottom, horizontal scroll bara second time in order to finally move the image in a horizontaldirection.

Microside Corporation of Miami, Fla., offers a “Micro Scroll II” mousethat permits a user to scroll an image in multiple perpendiculardirections. This mouse includes a first rotatable wheel for scrolling animage up and down, and a second, separate rotatable wheel for scrollingan image left and right. The rotatable wheels are oriented so theyextend and rotate in planes that are perpendicular to each other. Thetwo scroll wheels are independently operable. However, this arrangementhas drawbacks as the two wheels takes up valuable upper surface area onthe mouse which could be used for supporting the hand of the user or foradditional input keys. Further, the two wheels have been made to be asmall size to accommodate both wheels on the upper surface of the mouse.The smaller sized scroll wheels make the scrolling more difficult tocontrol. Additionally, the location of the horizontal scroll wheel isinconvenient for effective control. Further, with this design, it isdifficult to easily reach and manipulate one of the wheels, as he or shemust reposition his or her hand on the mouse to avoid reaching withoutawkwardly finger manipulation

Accordingly, an alternative arrangement for scrolling a document alongmultiple axes was needed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of the present invention relates to a peripheral device foruse with a computer to scroll an image relative to an image displayscreen along perpendicular axes. The device comprises a housing that hasat least one opening. The device also comprises a scroll wheel assemblythat is provided within the housing. The scroll wheel assembly includesa rotatable member positioned within the opening of the housing. Therotatable member is rotatable about an axis that extends within thehousing and is laterally pivotable within the opening relative to thehousing. The scroll wheel assembly also includes a movement sensingsystem that determines when the rotatable member is pivoted laterallyrelative to the housing. A ball joint is used to facilitate movement ofthe scroll wheel in the different directions.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a peripheral computerinput device for scrolling an image across a display screen inperpendicular directions. The device includes a housing and a scrollwheel assembly. The scroll wheel assembly includes a rotatable memberthat is laterally pivotable relative to the housing and a sensorpositioned within the housing for sensing laterally pivotal movement ofthe rotatable member. The device also includes a controller coupled tothe sensor. The controller is configured to generate a signal to scrollthe image across the display screen.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a computer input devicehaving a scroll wheel and a rotational shaft forming an axis of rotationfor the scroll wheel. The scroll wheel is coupled to the shaft to enablea rotational force applied to the scroll wheel rotate the shaft with thescroll wheel and to enable a lateral force applied to the scroll wheelto pivot the scroll wheel relative to the shaft.

The device according to the present invention makes it easy for a userto scroll an image both horizontally and vertically relative to adisplay screen without repositioning the peripheral device.Additionally, the wheel movements and/or configuration of the scrollwheel assembly of the present invention to cause scrolling in theperpendicular directions eliminate problems and frustrations that mayresult from using the prior art devices.

Another aspect of the present invention includes a computer input devicehaving a scroll wheel that is endlessly rotatable about a laterallyextending axis and is laterally pivotable. Systems are included for (a)sensing the rotation of the scroll wheel, (b) sensing the angulardisplacement of the scroll wheel, and (c) biasing the scroll wheeltowards a neutral position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be described in detail herein with referenceto the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates an input device according to the present inventionfor scrolling an image on a display screen of a host computer inmultiple directions;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a scroll wheel assembly according to oneembodiment of the present invention with the plane of the scroll wheelin a first position;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the scroll wheel assembly of FIG. 2after the scroll wheel has been displaced in laterally pivotal directionrelative to FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of details of the arrangement for couplingthe scroll wheel to its shaft according to one embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of details of the arrangement forsensing rotational movement of the scroll wheel according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic end view of details of the arrangement for sensinglaterally pivotable movement of the scroll wheel according to oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic end view of details of the arrangement for sensinglaterally pivotable movement of the scroll wheel according to analternate embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of details of the arrangement forsensing laterally pivotable movement of the scroll wheel according to analternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a schematic end view of details of the arrangement for sensinglaterally pivotable movement of the scroll wheel according to analternative embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 10 is a schematic perspective view of details of the arrangementfor sensing laterally pivotable movement of the scroll wheel accordingto another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11 is a schematic end view of a scroll wheel assembly includingdetails of the scroll wheel relative to the opening in the housing.

FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of a scroll wheel assemblyincluding details of an arrangement with Z-switch capabilities accordingto an embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

As shown in the figures, an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention includes a scroll wheel assembly 10 having a rotatable member30 (scroll wheel) that can be used with different types of computerinput devices for scrolling an image 1 in multiple directions and alongmultiple axes (X Y) (4 and 5 respectively) relative to a display screen2 used with a host computer 8 another type of computing device, or anInternet appliance. As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the scrollwheel assembly 10 according to the present invention can be incorporatedas part of an electronic mouse 6. However, according to otherembodiments of the present invention, not shown, the scroll wheelassembly 10 is incorporated into other peripheral computer input devicessuch as a trackball device or a keyboard, or a similar input device. Forexample, it could also be located in the bezel of a hand-held computer,a larger portable computing device, a web pad, or an Internet appliance,or could be located on the chassis of a laptop computer. Like the mouse6, these other known peripheral devices can have wired or wirelessconnections to the host computer 8 as is known in the art. The scrollwheel assembly 10 can alternatively be located in a computer monitor orin the base portion of a laptop computer. For simplicity in description,the present invention will be described as embodied in a computer mouse6, and the mouse 6 includes actuator buttons 13. However, it should beunderstood that the discussion of the scroll wheel assembly 10 isequally applicable for use in other types of computer input devices.

As used herein, the terms “laterally pivoted” and “laterally pivotable”describe motion of the rotatable member that includes the generalside-to-side pivotable movement of a rotatable member within an openingof an input device in a direction that tilts the primary plane in whichthe rotatable member resides and rotates. This laterally pivotablemovement is generally in the direction of the sidewalls of the opening.

As shown in FIG. 1, one embodiment of the scroll wheel assembly 10comprises a rotatable member, such as a circular disk-shaped scrollwheel 30 positioned within an elongated opening 15 in a housing 11 ofthe mouse 6. A portion of the wheel 30 protrudes through the opening 15and away from the outer surface of the mouse 6 so that it can becontacted and manipulated by a user. As described in more detailhereinafter, in addition to its normal rotational movement for verticalscrolling, the rotatable member 30 is laterally pivotable tohorizontally scroll an image on the display screen 2. The outer surfaceof the rotatable member 30 of the scroll wheel assembly 10 may include aslip resistant material (such as a rubber coating) and/or a slipresistant arrangement (such a grooves or a knurled surface) that arecontacted by the user's finger in order to enhance scrolling control.

With reference to FIGS. 2-4, an exemplary scroll wheel assembly 10includes the scroll wheel 30, a rotatable shaft 50, and a convexhub/ball joint 60. The rotatable shaft 50 may be coupled to the mouse 6in any desired manner that achieves the described functionality ofproviding support and endless rotation capabilities. For example, theopposing ends 51 and 52 of rotatable shaft 50 may be mounted withinsupport blocks 55 and 56 having cylindrical bearing surfaces.Alternatively, one end of the shaft 50 may be rotatably received withina support and the other end may be slidably received within a supportsuch that it too permits rotational movement of the shaft 50. Similarly,the supports could also be positioned along the length of shaft 50 sothat they are spaced from its ends.

Due to the coupling by the ball joint 60, a rotational force applied tothe scroll wheel 10 will cause the shaft 50 to rotate with the scrollwheel 10 and with respect to the housing 11, and a laterally pivotableforce applied to the scroll wheel 10 will cause the scroll wheel 10 tolaterally pivot relative to the shaft 50 and the housing 11. While notshown in FIGS. 2-4, the scroll wheel assembly 10 also includes arotation sensing system 70, a tilt sensing system 80 and a tilt biasingsystem 100. As described hereinafter, the tilt sensing system 80 and thetilt biasing system 100 may share common components.

The ball joint 60 is fixed to the shaft 50 such that the ball joint 60rotates with the shaft 50. The ball joint 60 and shaft 50 may, but neednot be, integrally formed therewith by molding or other technique. Ifdesired, the lateral ends 61 and 62 of the ball joint 60 may betruncated as shown in the FIGS. 2-4. The ball joint 60 includes a convexouter surface 63. The ball joint 60 also includes two lateral slots orgrooves 65 and 66 therein. In an exemplary arrangement depicted in FIG.4, the grooves 65 and 66 extend from one lateral end 65 to the otherlateral end 66. The grooves 65 and 66 are spaced apart 180° about therotational axis of the scroll wheel 30, which is coincident with theshaft 50. In an alternative embodiment of the invention, not shown, onlyone pin and one groove are included.

The scroll wheel 30 includes an inner concave surface 33 that faces andis supported by the convex outer surface 63 of the ball joint 60. Thescroll wheel 30 also includes first and second pins 35 and 36 projectinginwardly from the inner surface 33. The pins 35 and 36 are spaced apart180° about the rotational axis of the scroll wheel 30 so as to alignwith the grooves 65 and 66 respectively.

The pins 35 and 36 are circular in cross section. The circular pins 35and 36 in combinations with the grooves 65 and 66 enable the scrollwheel 30 to laterally pivot with respect to the shaft 50 and the balljoint 60 regardless of the angular position of the shaft 50. Forexample, if the ball joint 60 is oriented relative to the aperture suchthat a laterally pivotable force on the scroll wheel 30 is substantiallywithin the plane of pins 35 and 36 and the grooves 65 and 66, then thepins 35 and 36 would travel within the grooves 65 and 66 when the scrollwheel 30 laterally pivots in the direction shown by arrow A. If the balljoint 60 is oriented relative to the aperture such that a laterallypivotable force on the scroll wheel 30 is perpendicular to the axisextending through the pins 35 and 36 and parallel to the plane of thegrooves 65 and 66, then the pins 35 and 36 pivot about axis B within inthe grooves 65 and 66, and would not translationally move when thescroll wheel 30 laterally pivots. If the ball joint 60 is orientedrelative to the aperture between those positions, each of the pins 35and 36 would pivot and translate within their respective groove 65 and66. When the scroll wheel 30 is rotated in the direction shown by arrowC, the pins 35 and 36 press against the sides of the grooves 65 and 66so that the ball joint 60 and shaft 50 rotate with the scroll wheel 30.

In an exemplary embodiment the scroll wheel 30 is made from twodifferent materials, an outer region 38 made from rubber material toenhance gripping and control during the scrolling process, and an innerregion 39 made from a plastic. This can be manufactured by anovermolding process if desired. The outer surface 63 region of the balljoint 60 is also made from a plastic. In an exemplary arrangement, theplastics of the inner region 39 of the scroll wheel 30 and the outersurface 63 region of the ball joint 60 are made from different types ofplastic, such as ABS and Nylon, for wear-related purposes. However, itis recognized that other materials may be used in addition to thosedescribed.

As described above, all embodiments preferably include a rotationsensing system 70, a tilting sensing system 80, and a tilt biasingsystem 90. For simplicity of explanation, some embodiments of thesesystems have been depicted separately.

FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a rotation sensing system 70. In anexemplary arrangement, the rotation sensing system 70, which senses therotation of the endlessly rotatable scroll wheel 30, includes a diskencoder 72 and separate elements 73 and 74 from an optical pair. Theencoder 72 is fixedly mounted to the scroll wheel shaft 50. The outerperiphery of the encoder wheel includes spaced light blocking elements,such as angularly spaced, radially extending blades 75. The two elements73 and 74 of the optical pair on opposing sides of the encoder 72. Ofthe optical pair elements, one is a light source 73 and the other is alight sensor 74. The rotation of the scroll wheel 30 rotates the shaft50 and the encoder 72 mounted thereto. The spaced light blockingelements 75 periodically block the path of light and pulses are pickedup each time a blade blocks the light path. As the encoder wheelrotates, light from the light source is alternately (1) transmittedthrough the openings and (2) blocked by the material of the encoderwheel. The pulses of light transmitted through the openings are detectedby the light sensor. In response to the pulses of light, the lightsensor transmits a signal to a host computer that indicates rotation ofthe scroll wheel, thereby inducing scrolling of the image relative tothe display screen. Furthermore, the frequency of the sensed pulsescorresponds to the rate at which the scroll wheel is being rotated.Accordingly, the rate at which the scroll wheel rotates is generallycorrelated to the speed at which the image scrolls. This technology isknown in the art, and has been disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,912,661,which is hereby incorporated by reference. Alternative rotation sensingsystems may be used.

FIGS. 6-10 depict embodiments of the tilting sensing system 80 and/orthe tilt biasing system 90. The tilting sensing system 70 includes atleast one sensor that determines when the wheel 30 is being tiltingwhich would typically occur by a lateral force being applies to theportion of the scroll wheel 30 extending through the opening 15 in thehousing 11. The scroll wheel assembly 10 also includes a circuitry, suchas a controller, not shown, for interpreting the output from the sensor,converting it to a signal and delivering the signal to the host computer8. The controller can be any known component or combination ofcomponents that can perform these functions. In one embodiment, thecontroller includes a microprocessor connected to the sensor thatgenerates a signal for the host computer 8 indicating when the scrollwheel 30 is being laterally moved. Thus, each sensor is operativelyconnected to the microprocessor for generating an electrical signal thatcontrols the position of the image 1 relative to the display screen 2 asdiscussed above. The generated signal controls the scrolling of theimage 1 along the X-axis 4 in response to a force that causes the wheel30 to move laterally. The signal scrolls the image 1 in a manner that isconsistent with the direction and magnitude of the applied force, i.e.,either left or right.

In the depicted exemplary embodiments, the systems utilize a carriage100 that receives the lower portion of the scroll wheel 30 on the sideof the scroll wheel 30 that is opposite from the aperture 15 in themouse housing 11. The carriage 100 includes opposing side walls 102 onopposite sides of the bottom of the scroll wheel 30. The side walls 102of the carriage 100 and the sides of the scroll wheel are preferablyseparated by a small gap 104, such as 0.1 mm. When the scroll wheel 30is tilted, it will move a small amount and then engage the side wall 102on the side of the carriage 100 that the scroll wheel 30 has beentilted. This small gap 104 enables sufficient tilting responsivenesswithout causing a drag on the scroll wheel 30 when it is rotated in itsendless direction with its shaft 50. The carriage 100 will move, eitherpivot or linearly slide, in accordance with the movement of the scrollwheel 30. The movement of the carriage is sensed, and an appropriatesignal is sent to cause lateral scrolling of the document.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show embodiments of a sliding carriage 100. The slidingcarriage 100 is mounted for movement along a lateral axis as indicatedby the straight arrow in the figures. In response to the scroll wheel 30being pivoted at its portion that extends outside of the housing 11, theside of the wheel 30 that the force was applied, pushes the inside wall102 of the carriage near the bottom of the wheel 30 in a lateraldirection opposite the lateral direction of the force applied, but inthe same rotational direction relative to the pivot of the wheel. Thusfor example, with reference to FIG. 6, a force applied to tilt the wheel30 to the left, applies a counterclockwise force such that the bottom ofthe wheel 30 pushes the sliding carriage 100 to the right by applying acounterclockwise force.

Movement of the sliding carriage 100 is detected by a sensor. RegardingFIG. 6, the carriage 100 coupled to a slide potentiometer 110, which isin turn, mounted to a circuit board 106. The slide potentiometer 110senses amount of displacement and provides an electrical resistancevalue accordingly. One such potentiometer 110 is the Low Profile SlidePotentiometer made by Bourns. However, numerous other linear slidepotentiometers could be used.

For the sliding carriage arrangement of FIG. 7, discrete contact sensors120 such as contact switches are provided on opposing sides of the wheel30 and the carriage 100. Contact switches 120 sense when scroll wheel 30has been tilted to a predetermined position indicating that the wheel 30had been tilted. In other arrangements of the invention, not depicted,the sensors for detecting the tilting motion of the wheel 30 via thesliding motion of the carriage 100 include strain gauges, force plates,and pressure sensors to determine the lateral displacement of thecarriage 100.

FIGS. 8-10 show embodiments of a tilting carriage 100. The tiltingcarriage 100 is mounted for limited pivotal movement and such may beaccomplished by coupling the carriage 100 to one (for cantilevermounting) or front and back rotatable shafts 130 and 131. Each shaft 130and 131 is mounted for rotational movement within a respective supportsuch as block 135 and 136. In response to the scroll wheel 30 beingpivoted at its portion that extends outside of the housing 11, the sideof the wheel 30 that the force was applied, pushes the inside wall 102of the carriage near the bottom of the wheel 30 in the same rotationaldirection relative to the pivot of the wheel 30. As the carriage ispivotally mounted via its shafts 130 and 131 the carriage is rotated inthe same rotational direction. The tilting carriage 100 and the scrollwheel 30 preferably rotate about the same axis.

Regarding FIG. 8, the tilting carriage 100 is coupled to a rotationsensing potentiometer 140. The potentiometer 140 senses amount ofangular displacement of the carriage shaft and provides an electricalresistance value accordingly. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotationalpotentiometer 140 is within the support 135.

FIG. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment where the tilting of thescroll wheel 30 to a particular degree (in either direction) will engagea discrete contact sensor 140 such as contact switches provided onopposing sides of the wheel 30 and the carriage 100. For the pivotingcarriage arrangement of FIG. 9, contact switches 140 are provided onopposing sides of the wheel 30. Contact switches 140 sense when scrollwheel 30 has been tilted to a predetermined angular position indicatingthat the wheel 30 had been tilted.

In other arrangements of the invention, not depicted, the sensors fordetecting the tilting motion of the wheel 30 via the pivotable motion ofthe carriage 100 include strain gauges, force plates, and pressuresensors to determine the pivoting displacement of the carriage 100.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a sensing system for the tiltingcarriage 100, including a rotary encoder 150 and an optical couplingpair 153 and 154. Of the optical pair elements, one is a light source153 and the other is a light sensor 154. The 150 encoder need not be afull disk and/or the blades thereon 155 need not extend 360° because thewheel 30 only preferably tilts to a range of 45° degrees in eitherdirection. As with the functioning of the encoder described above, thepivoting of the carriage 100 rotates the shaft 130, 131 and the encoder150 mounted thereto. The spaced light blocking elements 155 periodicallyblock the path of light and pulses are picked up each time a bladeblocks the light path.

A system 90 for physically biasing the carriage 100, and accordinglyalso the wheel 30 to a position in a neutral zone, i.e., a centralneutral position, within the spacing of the gaps 104, is also preferablyused. With a carriage 100 mounted for linear slidable movement, such asshown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the biasing system 90 preferably includes one ormore linear springs 114. The linear springs 114 apply a force on thecarriage 100 to urge it toward a neutral position. The spring or springs114 can be part of or separate from the sensors used such as thepotentiometer 110 or a strain gauge. Alternatively, other spring biasingsystems, such as leaf springs, could be used.

With a carriage 100 mounted for pivotal movement, such as shown in FIGS.8-10, the biasing system 90 preferably includes one or morerotational/torsion springs, not numbered. The rotational springs apply arotational force on the carriage 100 to urge it toward a neutralposition. The spring or springs, not numbered, are preferably mountedwithin on of the shaft support blocks 135 or 136, and can be part of orseparate from the rotational potentiometer 110.

FIG. 11 shows an enlarged view of the relationship of the scroll wheel30 to the top of the housing 11 of the mouse 6 and its opening 15. Thelateral spacing of the opening 15 provides the desired angular clearanceto give the scroll wheel 30 the desired range of motion to laterallypivot. Additionally, the scroll wheel 30 may have a portion 160 extendin a contoured manner inside the housing to more closely match thecontour of the housing and to minimize the gap between the opening 15and the wheel 30 during the full range of motion of the wheel 30.Alternatively, a shutter type device may be used to minimize the gapbetween the opening 15 and the scroll wheel 30

FIG. 12 illustrated another exemplary embodiment of the scroll wheelassembly 10. In this arrangement, the scroll wheel 30 also provides thefunction of being a Z-switch actuator such that the depression of thescroll wheel 30 activates a switch 185. Springs may by mounted undersupports 55 and 56 to permit the system to slightly “float”. Differentarrangements may be used to provide the downward movement of wheel 30.In one arrangement, the front support 135 includes multiple portionspivotably coupled about a laterally oriented hinge. Alternatively, asshown, the front shaft 130′ may be designed to permit a small degree ofdownward flexing. A contact switch 185 may be mounted beneath adesirable portion of the assembly 10 such as the carriage 100. Inoperation, pressing downward on the scroll wheel 30 causes the carriage100 to contact switch 185 and activate a signal.

In operation, when the user wants to scroll the image 1 on the displayscreen 2 in multiple directions along multiple axes 4, 5, he or she willboth rotate and/or laterally pivot the scroll wheel 30 relative to themouse 6 to produce vertical and/or lateral scrolling, respectively. Whenthe wheel 30 is rotated by the user, its shaft 50 moves with it, and therotational motion is sensed by a rotational movement sensing system 70,and the image 1 is scrolled in either a positive or a negative verticaldirection that extends parallel to the Y-axis 5, i.e., either up ordown. Any known sensing system may be used. As illustrated anddescribed, this rotational movement sensing system 70 can include alight source 73, an encoder wheel 72, and a light detector 74. Blades 75on the encoder wheel periodically obstruct the light beam when the wheel30 is rotated. The detector senses these obstructions and is coupled toa controller 11 to generate and relay a signal to the host computer 8 toscroll the image in the Y-direction up or down.

Laterally pivoting the scroll wheel 30 causes the wheel 30 to moverelative to the shaft 50 due to the coupling of the ball joint 60. Acarriage 100 is disposed relative to the scroll wheel 30 such thatlaterally pivoting of the scroll wheel 30 causes the carriage 100 tomove, either linearly slide or pivot. A tilt sensing system 80 detectssuch movement and causes a signal to be sent to affect horizontalscrolling. A tilt biasing system 90 urges the scroll wheel 30 towards aneutral position.

The horizontal scrolling may be affected in a number of ways in responseto a sensor detecting the lateral pivotable movement of the wheel 30. Ina first embodiment, the image 1 will scroll across the screen 2 at aconstant, predetermined speed, i.e., panning. The scrolling speed may beprogrammed, set, or changed by a user via any known technique.Alternatively, the horizontal scrolling may be time sensitive to thetilting of the wheel 30. For example, the scrolling may be at a firstspeed when the wheel 30 is laterally displaced for a first period oftime. If the wheel 30 is laterally displaced longer than that firstperiod of time, the scrolling speed may be increased. In anotherarrangement, lateral scrolling can be detected and controlled whenlateral movement reaches a specified pressure or distance, as determinedby pressure or displacement sensors. With the use of sensors in thisarrangement, the sensed pressure or displacement can also be used todetermine the rate of horizontal scrolling. The pressure related sensingcould be accomplished by the use of pressure sensors with continuoussensing capabilities and by sensing the continuous pressure level, or bythe use of pressure sensors with discrete sensing and the determinationof one or more levels of pressure.

While the scroll wheel assembly 10 is preferably used to cause scrollingin the horizontal direction, it may also be used to provide singlecommands other than “scroll right” and “scroll left”. For example, likewith some keys on mice and keyboards, these commands may beprogrammable. Thus, moving the rotatable member of the scroll wheelassembly 10 to the left can activate a pre-programmed command such as“BACK”, and moving the rotatable member to the right can activate apre-programmed command such as “FORWARD.”

Further, with the use of such a wheel, and modifier keys that create theability to modify the input from the wheel, it is possible to controldocument zooming or other non-scrolling actions if desired. For example,the combined actions of the Alt and Y keystrokes and manipulation of ascroll wheel controls zooming in and out. If desired, the combination ofmodifier keys in combination with sliding the scroll wheel horizontallycould be used to angularly rotate an image on the display, such as adrawing object. In such an example, the horizontal displacement of thewheel can affect the amount of angular rotation and/or the speed of therotation.

It is understood that while the forms of the invention herein shown anddescribed include the best mode contemplated for carrying out thepresent invention, they are not intended to illustrate all possibleforms thereof. It will also be understood that the words used aredescriptive rather than limiting, and that various changes may be madewithout departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimedbelow. For example, even though the above discussed embodiments use therotation of the wheel 30 to vertically scroll and the translation and/orlaterally pivoting of the wheel 30 to horizontally scroll, it ispossible that these functions be reversed so that rotation of the wheel30 about shaft 50 results in horizontal. Additionally, the directionsthat the image is scrolled according to the present invention caninclude both X and Y components. Additionally, the scroll wheel 10according to the present invention is not limited to a specific type ofperipheral device. Further, while not illustrated or specificallydescribed, a detent system may be provided to make the rotation of thewheel 30 occur at desired increments.

Thus, while there have been shown and described features of the presentinvention as applied to preferred embodiments thereof, it will beunderstood that various omissions and substitutions and changes in theform and details of the devices illustrated, and in their operation, andin the method illustrated and described, may be made by those skilled inthe art without departing from the spirit of the invention as broadlydisclosed herein.

1. A computer input device for scrolling an image, the devicecomprising: a housing having an opening; a finger-engagable controlmember provided within the housing and having a portion extendingthrough the opening permitting user manipulation thereof, thefinger-engagable control member being endlessly rotatable about arotating axis extending within the housing and tiltable about a tiltingaxis; a rotation sensor for sensing rotation of the finger-engagablecontrol member; and an optical tilt sensor for sensing tilting of thefinger-engagable control member.
 2. The computer input device of claim1, wherein when the finger-engagable control member is rotated, a signalis transmitted to scroll the image in a first scroll direction andwherein when the finger-engagable control member is tilted, a signal istransmitted to scroll the image in a second scroll direction, the secondscroll direction being approximately perpendicular to the first scrolldirection.
 3. The computer input device of claim 1, wherein the tiltingaxis is perpendicular to the rotating axis.
 4. The computer input deviceof claim 1, further comprising a carriage housing at least a portion ofthe finger-engagable control member.
 5. The computer input device ofclaim 4 wherein the carriage may be rotated irrespective of tilting. 6.The computer input device of claim 1 wherein the optical tilt sensor ispositioned at the rear of the finger-engagable control member.
 7. Thecomputer input device of claim 6 further comprising a tilt axle, whereinthe optical tilt sensor includes an encoder mounted to the tilt axle. 8.The computer input device of claim 1 wherein the optical tilt sensorcomprises a light source, a light sensor and a movable interveningmember between the light source and the light sensor.
 9. The computerinput device of claim 8 wherein when the finger-engagable member istilted in a first rotational direction, the movable intervening membermoves in the same rotational direction.
 10. The computer input device ofclaim 1 wherein the optical tilt sensor is positioned at the rear of thefinger-engagable control member underlying the tilting axis of thefinger-engagable control member and comprises a light source, a lightsensor and a movable intervening member between the light source and thelight sensor, the movable intervening member being operatively connectedto a tilt axle, the tilt axle being operatively connected to thefinger-engagable control member along the tilting axis.
 11. The computerinput device of claim 1 further comprising a carriage containing atleast a portion of the finger-engagable control member.
 12. The computerinput device of claim 11 further comprising a tilt axle operativelyconnected to the carriage along the tilting axis, wherein the opticaltilt sensor is located at the rear of the finger-engagable controlmember underlying the tilting axis and includes a light source, a lightsensor, and a movable intervening member between the light source andthe light sensor, the movable intervening member being operativelyconnected to the tilt axle.
 13. The computer input device of claim 1wherein the device is an electronic mouse.
 14. A computer input devicefor scrolling an image, the device comprising: a housing having anopening; a finger-engagable control member provided within the housingand having a portion extending through the opening permitting usermanipulation thereof, the finger-engagable control member beingendlessly rotatable about a rotating axis extending within the housingand tiltable about a tilting axis; a carriage for housing at least aportion of the finger-engagable control member and being tiltable aboutthe tilting axis; a shaft extending from the carriage; a light-blockingmember coupled to the shaft; and a tilt sensor configured for sensing aposition of the light blocking member.
 15. The device of claim 14wherein the tilt sensor includes a light source and a light sensor thatis configured to sense light from the light source.
 16. The device ofclaim 15 wherein the light-blocking member is configured to blocktransmission of light between the light source and the light sensor. 17.The device of claim 15 wherein tilting the finger-engagable controlmember along the tilting axis causes corresponding tilting of thecarriage.
 18. The device of claim 15 wherein when the finger-engagablemember is tilted in a first rotational direction, the light-blockingmember moves in the same rotational direction.
 19. The device of claim14 further comprising a rotation sensor for sensing rotation of thefinger-engagable control member.
 20. The device of claim 14 wherein thedevice is an electronic mouse.